Businesses and residents along the Ajuwon-Akute Road in Ogun State are facing severe hardships due to the deteriorating condition of the road, which has worsened dramatically over time.
This vital economic corridor, which serves as a lifeline for local commerce, transportation, and daily activities, has become nearly impassable, resulting in a sharp decline in patronage for businesses, some of which are now on the verge of shutting down.
The Ogun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, is being urged to take immediate action to rehabilitate this road, which is critical not only for the movement of goods and people but also for sustaining the economy of the region.
When Tropic Reporters correspondent, Adejola Adeyemi Crown, visited the area on Monday, he expressed shock at the extent of the road’s deterioration
“How this Ajuwon-Akute Road got this bad is what I don’t understand. The last time I was here, it was still better than now. Ogun State Government, what is this? Businesses in this corridor can’t survive.”
Businesses Struggling to Stay Afloat
The poor state of the Ajuwon-Akute Road has dealt a heavy blow to business owners, many of whom have reported a drastic decline in customer traffic. Mrs. Funmi Ajibade, who runs a provision store along the road, shared her struggle to stay in business:
“I used to have a lot of customers, especially on weekends, but now people can’t even get to my shop easily. My sales have dropped by more than half, and if the government doesn’t fix this road soon, I might be forced to shut down.”
The road, filled with deep potholes and eroded sections, has made it difficult for people to navigate the area, resulting in fewer visitors to local businesses. Many owners now fear they won’t be able to survive much longer under these conditions.
Transporters Bearing the Brunt
Transporters who operate along the Ajuwon-Akute corridor have also been hit hard. The terrible condition of the road has not only slowed down their operations but also increased the cost of vehicle maintenance, as frequent repairs are needed due to the damage caused by the poor road.
Mr. Jide Adeola, a commercial bus driver who plies the route, explained the challenges faced by transporters:
“Driving on this road has become a nightmare. The potholes are so bad that they damage our vehicles almost every day. Most of the money we make goes into repairs, and some drivers have stopped working this route entirely because it’s no longer worth it.”
The reduced number of transporters willing to brave the bad road has made commuting difficult for residents, adding to the economic strain.
Residents Frustrated by Daily Struggles
For residents of the area, the deteriorating road has made daily life more difficult. Many now have to walk long distances to access transportation or even basic services, as vehicles avoid the worst sections of the road. Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, a resident, expressed her frustration:
“We are suffering here. Getting to work, the market, or anywhere else has become a daily struggle. Sometimes I have to walk long distances because there are no buses, and when I do find one, the fare is much higher because of the bad road. The government needs to fix this road before things get worse.”
Education and Healthcare Also Affected
The poor road conditions have not only affected businesses and commuters but also had a significant impact on schools and healthcare services in the area.
Mr. Dapo Oduola, the administrator of a local school, revealed that school attendance has dropped as a result of the difficulties parents face in bringing their children to school.
“Parents are finding it hard to bring their children to school, and sometimes our school buses can’t make the journey. We’ve had instances where buses break down on the road because of the bad conditions. If the road isn’t fixed soon, we may see more children dropping out of school.”
Healthcare providers have similarly reported delays in services due to the road, making it difficult for residents to access timely medical care.
Urgent Government Intervention Needed
The Ajuwon-Akute Road is a critical economic route, and its current state is not only stifling local commerce but also worsening the quality of life for those who live and work in the area.
Business owners, transporters, and residents have united in their call for the Ogun State Government to take swift action and rehabilitate the road.
As more businesses face closure and the cost of living rises due to increased transportation expenses, the future of the community hangs in the balance.
The rehabilitation of this road could revive the local economy, attract investors, and improve daily life for thousands of people.
The residents and business community are now hoping that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration will prioritize this urgent need and take the necessary steps to restore the Ajuwon-Akute Road to a condition that supports growth and sustains livelihoods.
